Treasures from around the world!

When we moved to Edmonton four years ago, it gave us a wonderful opportunity to get to know my cousins better (let me clarify, they are technically my second cousins, as Ruth is my Mom's first cousin). Whatever you want to call it, cousins, 2nd cousins, they have been so central in our lives here in Edmonton, and really, I think if it wasn't for them, we never would have decided to stay in Edmonton.

So as time passed, and I got pregnant with Abbi, my cousin Ruth became my surrogate Mom (as my Mom lives a Province away in BC), and eventually, Abbi and Gabe's surrogate Grandma (or "Gammy" as she's affectionately known by the kids). She attended the gazillion doctor's appointments, the ultrasounds, she showed me how to make receiving blankets, and hosted a shower once Abbi was born. And really, countless other acts of maternal motherly-ness. Since we've been here they have been very involved in our lives, and in our kid's lives.

They never had children, so she always says that she gets to live vicariously through us (heh, heh, although some days, I'm quite tempted to drop off the 'full-package' at their house, AKA the teething, the poopy diapers, the whining, the back-talk, the screaming!). But I say, often we get to live vicarously through them! Take for instance, the fact that they just recently returned from three weeks in Europe.

Wouldn't that be glorious? Yes, and no. Not in my current life space. That many hours on a plane with a 1 year old and a 3 three year old is enough to give anyone nightmares. Not to mention all the junk you would have to pack to keep them clothed, entertained, and essentially happy. Not to mention the carseats, strollers, and playpens. Egads! Romantic dinners? Sight seeing tours? Peaceful walks along the waterfront? Nope, nope, and nope! Insert much screaming, whining, and plain 'ol chaos, and that would be the equivalent of us spending three weeks in Europe!

So when my cousin returned with a bag full of goodies, it made my heart sing. Don't get me wrong, I want to travel...one day. But definitely not at this point in our lives. So yes, I got a little treasure trove of worldly goodies, without having to leave my cozy little house.

So sit back, grab something hot to drink, and enjoy some goodies from around the world!

Firstly, when my cousin traveled to France in 2007, she brought me back this little cup and saucer. Is it not the most adorable, beautiful, incredible thing you have ever seen?

I just love the little bags. So unique. Cheap, plastic North American bags just cannot compare...

Some sweet little Christmas ornaments for the kids. Again, so incredibly unique. Unlike anything I've ever seen.
From Budapest.
This little guy is for Gabey's room. I wish I could get a better picture, but its incredible. All paper mache, and so cool. Not to mention the colors will look great in his room.
If you take a deep breath, you can smell all the loveliness. A lavender sachet from France.
It smells loverly!

I adore this Swarvoski crystal ornament from Austria (which I'm guessing is where their headquarters is, or perhaps just one of their factories). This sucker will definitely be placed at the top of the tree next year!
Some fabulous Venetian glass. Now if you are uncultured like I was, Venetian glass is a huge artform from Venice that has been around for hundreds of years. You can travel by boat to a little Island called Murano, where all the artisans work and sell their craft.
Incredible, non?

Rob got a little treat as well. A Murano glass seashell. Like am I not the only person blown away by the fact that its not a real seashell, but GLASS? Incredible artistry!
Now onto this scarf. I am in love. Or if my highschool French hasn't left me entirely, j'adore! I have been seeing similar ones around town, and I felt like it would be highly dorky to stop a woman and ask her what her scarf was called, and where to get it. But alas, I've been rescued from the need to be a dork and ask, because now I have my own! Love.
Abbi has also had a scarf fetish lately, always wanting to wear one if Ruth or I were wearing one. So Ruth made a point to find Abbi her own fabulous scarf while she was away. This is what she came up with, and I think its perfect (and even Mommy got some more scarf lovin').
Abbi's on the left, Mommy's on the right.
But even Uncle Dave got in the spirit of things, and thought he would pick Abbi out a scarf too. This is what he came up with, and I think its utterly adorable!
And I must apologize, this is an awful picture because the room was so bright (thank heaven for sunshine on days that are -21°). A navy blue zip up fleece for Gabe when he gets a little older. A picture of a gondola from Venice.
There you have it folks. We were incredibly spoiled, and I'm feeling slightly cultured!
Thanks Gammy & Uncle Dave!